The parliament in Kiev has approved an autonomy deal for Ukraine's pro-Russian east, accompanied by a limited amnesty for rebels there. But in Donetsk, shelling continues despite a ceasefire. And rebels say Kiev is just too late in making concessions.

Russia says its soldiers aren't fighting in Ukraine, but evidence keeps piling up that Russia has invaded — even in Russia itself. That's caused some protests in Russia and disappointment in Ukraine, where people are feeling abandoned by the outside world.

There's a convoy of 280 military trucks heading form Russia to eastern Ukraine. Is it carrying humanitarian aid, or maybe a Russian invasion force? No one in Ukraine knows, but they wouldn't be shocked either way.

While calling for an open investigation, the Kremlin has distributed varying accounts of what happened with Malaysia Airlines flight 17. Conspiracy theories and unfounded claims run rampant throughout Russia's strictly regulated media. Some argue this is an intentional move to keep Russian news consumers confused and misinformed.

Travel and tourism has never really been bigger, with people hitting the road to find adventure. But for some, adventure comes with a trip to some place seemingly off-limits: war zones. Companies are marketing war tourism to appeal to a new type of tourist.

Tension between Russia and Ukraine is rising, as each accuses the other of being responsible for the downing of the Malaysia Airlines passenger jet. Meanwhile, the Netherlands goes into mourning, saying this is their 9/11, since more than half the passengers on the flight were Dutch.

In the world of chocolate, competition is fierce. Kazakhstan is incredibly proud of its domestic chocolatier, Rakhat. With trouble in Ukraine, a major supplier of chocolate to Russia, Kazakhs see opportunity.

In 1984, Russian historian Suzanne Massie got a call she'll never forget. President Ronald Reagan invited her to the White House to brief him on Russian history and culture. Little did she know that this would be the beginning of many years of advising the president.

Every March 9, Ukrainians celebrate the father of Ukrainian literature, poet Taras Shevchenko. But this year — on his 200th birthday — the celebrations took on special meaning. Centuries ago, Shevchenko was an advocate for an independent Ukraine, free of Russian domination.

Russia's military moves since the fall of Ukraine's government last week seem to signal one thing. Russia is not prepared to lose the Crimea. And the reason is pretty straightforward, if you look at history.

From the start of the anti-government protests in Ukraine, Russia's mainstream media have portrayed the protesters as anti-democratic forces intent on hurting Ukraine's ethnic Russians. Some Russians are rallying behind their government's intervention in Ukraine. Others, though, have mounted small-scale protests against Russia's military actions.

Ukraine's military is starting to fight the masked, pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine who have been taking over government buildings. As fears of civil war grow, there's another sign that the conflict is escalating. New, masked militias with a pro-Ukraine agenda are now training to counter the separatists.

Russia says its soldiers aren't fighting in Ukraine, but evidence keeps piling up that Russia has invaded — even in Russia itself. That's caused some protests in Russia and disappointment in Ukraine, where people are feeling abandoned by the outside world.

Ukrainians are worried about what's in store for their nation in the coming days. Violent clashes with protesters have left at least 25 dead. And government threats leave many fearful of an even more forceful response.

For many, it's hard to imagine the violence playing out now in Odessa — the charming port city on the Black Sea is known for its literature, arts, and perhaps above all else, humor. It's especially hard for The World's reporter Jason Margolis.

A jittery quiet returned to Ukraine's capital Kiev Tuesday, in the wake of the ouster of president Viktor Yanukovych. Ukrainian novelist Andrey Kurkov says the city's monastery played a critical role in sheltering protestors.

Nelson Mandela once accused the US of "unspeakable atrocities." We also recall that Ethiopia was Mandela's training ground for guerrilla war. Plus, who would have thought that thieves flew business class? All that and more, in today's Global Scan.

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03/19/2014 - 11:00pm

President Barack Obama has said repeatedly that the secession of Crimea from Ukraine is a violation of international law. But doesn't Crimea have the right to determine its own fate? An international lawyer says the problem came with Russia's military intervention.

If you're a stray cat in Beijing, the Forbidden City is the place for you. The museums there use stray cats to protect their artifacts from rats and other vermin. In Ukraine, they're less interested in stray cats and more interested in Bitcoins — the cryptocurrency may be a quick way to support the protesters who are still camped in Independence Square.

US intelligence has concluded that Russian forces are ready to invade Ukraine at any time, if ordered. President Obama called on Russia to pull its troops back from the border. Ukraine meanwhile is collecting 50 cent phone-in donations to fund its military.